Arthritis Affects More Than 20 Percent

What limits mobility, causes pain, affects more than 20 percent of the
population and costs the U.S. $128 billion annually? Arthritis does, according
to a newly released U.S. government report. Data from the government survey
from 2007 through 2009 found close to 50 million people had been diagnosed with
arthritis by their doctor. At an almost 30 percent rate of arthritis were the
obese and those who exercised less, smoked more and had lower levels of
education. By definition, arthritis is injury and inflammation of the joints.
This causes pain, swelling, stiffness and limited motion. Doctors of
chiropractic are experts at treating the many joints of the body in order to
restore motion and nutrition to the joints, thereby reducing inflammation,
stiffness and pain. One of the most common forms of treatment utilized by the
chiropractor is the adjustment or manipulation of the joints. If you are
suffering from pain, stiffness or swelling of one or more joints, schedule a
consultation or examination from your local chiropractor today to see of
chiropractic can help.

Too Few Eat Enough Whole Grains

We're eating far too few whole grain foods according to a recent
report in the Journal of the American
Dietetic Association. In fact, data from the report indicates that less
than 5 percent of those surveyed ate the recommended 3 servings of whole grain
foods daily. Whole grains are those foods made from the entire kernel of grain
including the outer grain covering that is typically removed during processing
as in the production of white flour.
Those eating higher quantities of whole grain foods have been shown to
have lower incidences of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity as
well as certain types of cancer. So when choosing breads, pastas and cereals,
opt for those made from whole grain instead of those made from processed
flours.

Author: ChiroPlanet.comSource: Journal of the American Dietetic Association. October 2010.Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2010

Three Meals Better For Weight Loss

Despite the common belief that eating more frequent smaller meals throughout the day is better for weight loss, a new study reveals three larger meals per day appears to be more effective. In the study, researchers found those who consumed three low-calorie, high-protein meals daily felt more satisfied and less hungry compared to those consuming six meals daily. Also, those consuming higher protein diets (25 percent of total calories from protein) felt fuller throughout the day compared with those consuming lesser amounts of protein (14 percent of total calories from protein). Researchers stated that smaller more frequent meals didn’t seem to be as effective for appetite control. Having ones appetite under control is critical for anyone attempting to restrict calories and experience effective, healthy long-term weight loss.

Is Pain Your Obstacle to Fitness? Chiropractic Can Help

Are aches and pains getting in the way of your weight loss goals? Your
local doctor of chiropractic can help. This fall, doctors of chiropractic
across the country will highlight how they can help
patients focus on getting past the roadblocks to fitness and better health
during National Chiropractic Health Month. The theme for the 2010 observance is
“Why Weight? Get Healthy!”

More than 60 percent of adults in the United States are either
overweight or obese, according to CDC statistics, and obesity is associated
with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and some types
of cancer. However, many people are unaware that even modest weight loss, such
as 5 to 10 percent of a person’s total body weight, could improve blood
pressure as well as blood cholesterol and blood sugars levels. That’s only 10
to 20 pounds for a person who weighs 200 pounds.

Yet losing weight can be a struggle, and many people wonder where to
begin. The answer for some may be in the office of a doctor of chiropractic
(DC). “Diet pills and extreme diets do not offer long-term solutions,” says Dr.
Rick McMichael, president of the American Chiropractic Association. “Doctors of
chiropractic, on the other hand, offer natural approaches such as exercise,
diet and hands-on care to help keep you active and able to achieve your
weight-loss goals in the short term, and also help you maintain your fitness
level and thereby avoid some chronic conditions down the line.”

Consultation with a DC is particularly important when you consider that
the effects of obesity on the musculoskeletal system—osteoarthritis, back pain,
neck pain and joint pain—often cause overweight people to avoid physical
activity and exercise when they need it most.

If you’re carrying more weight than the load-bearing structures of your
body—spine, legs, etc.—can handle, there’s going to be pain, loss of movement
and degeneration in the joints. Particularly if you’re carrying most of your
weight in your abdomen, the low back and the spine will need to work harder to
hold you upright. This adds extra stress and tension on your muscles, which in
turn creates stiffness.

Sponsored by ACA, National Chiropractic Health Month is held each
October. The event helps raise public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic
care and its natural, whole-person, patient-centered approach to health and
wellness.

Author: American Chiropractic AssociationSource: American Chiropractic Association. October 2010.Copyright: American Chiropractic Association 2010